2004 Cadillac CTS: Road Test
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2004 Cadillac CTS ▼
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- MSRP: $30,650 -$49,300
- Invoice: $28,351 -$45,603
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Our road test for the 2004 Cadillac CTS includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Cadillac CTS from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Cadillac CTS, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Cadillac CTS help you decide if a 2004 Cadillac CTS is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.4 |
More than 90 percent of CTSs have automatic transmission, so they get the new 3.6-liter V6. It's lively and smooth--noticeably more powerful and refined than the 3.2. It benefits from the automatic transmission's crisp, subtle shifts to provide good response around town, fine acceleration in the important 45-70-mph range. A manual shift gate would reinforce CTS's sporting character, however. The 3.2's manual transmission changes gears slickly. No opportunity yet to test CTS-V.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test 3.6-liter CTS averaged 18.6 mpg. Test 3.2 manual averaged 21.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Cadillac recommends premium-grade fuel for all engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 |
Resolutely solid structure works with compliant base suspension for good absorbency. Sport Package 17-inch tires contribute to slightly less-forgiving feel over bumps, but with little loss of comfort. Both setups stable over moguls.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Steering effort feels somewhat artificial, but steering is seldom imprecise. Handling with base suspension compares favorably to standard arrangement of most European rivals, despite distinct body lean in fast turns. Sport Package has sharper responses and better grip in quick direction changes. Test drivers split on brake performance: it's top-notch to some; others complain of excessive pedal travel.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Both V6s quiet at cruise, but 3.2 snarls under full throttle, never sounds rich. The 3.6 always well-bred. Some highway-speed wind rush. Sport Package tires rumble on coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 6.7 |
Ambience is tech-modern, angular. Big speedometer and tachometer. CTS-V has unique gauges with a sportier flair. Simple automatic climate system has bright readouts. Innovative steering-wheel thumbwheel supplements audio-volume control, but is subject to inadvertent adjustment. Other steering-wheel buttons change duty according to driver preference--an unorthodox system. Automatic-transmission gear position does not display in instrument panel. Navigation system governs some audio functions, does a good job of integrating controls for both, though its response to voice commands is inconsistent.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Roomy, but high cowl, tall side sills contribute to closed-in feel. Firm seats have outstanding lateral bolstering, and for '04 gain optional adjustable lumbar support. Steering wheel satisfyingly thick-rimmed and tilts manually, but should telescope, too. Fine outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Holds adults under 5-ft-11 without scrunching. Knee clearance compares favorably with others in class, toe space better than most.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Long, broad trunk. Lid opens wide on nonintruding strut hinges, but opening itself not generous. Split folding rear seatbacks available. Good interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 5.8 |
Its bold styling may polarize, but this solid, sporty sedan is rewarding to drive. And its 3.6-liter V6 provides the response and refinement desired in a near-luxury car.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys., 3.2 man. | Base w/Sport Pkg., 3.6 auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 65 | 60.8 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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